Folks, my voice is near shot, so a short bonus episode this week about my recent trip to deepest, darkest, Death Valley. Full episode next week!By Jeff Wagg

This week I tell you not to listen to me. And if you don't follow my advice, you'll learn about detecting leaks in your van, avoiding pick pockets, how to tell who is an "expert," and an impressive new AI tool. Join us at VanFestUSA! February, 6-9 on Florida' Space Coast! Hundreds of rigs, parties, tours, classes, vendors and activities. More infor…

This week, we're going back to episode 1 and re-doing some things, but we're also going to talk about VanFest: LiftOFF where I'll be attending and presenting! Join us! We'll also talk about some dry lake adventures, and use a tool in a different way than intended. Join us at VanFestUSA! February, 6-9 on Florida' Space Coast! Hundreds of rigs, parti…

Let's have a rundown of all the different ways to stay warm this winter. We'll also visit a whole lot of poo, use a powerstation for temporary 12v needs, learn to tie knots the fun way, and explore the wonders of the Joolca toilet. Consider the Amazon Prime Visa! By clicking this link, you can apply for a card that will give you Amazon credit in ex…

A bit of rule breaking this week, as I talk about RELIGION (!) in a certain context, cooking with electricity, visiting Salem during "Spooky Season," abandoning friends, and a book recommendation that isn't for everyone. Salem always had a whimsy, but this was the extent of it. PRODUCT REVIEW Red LED USB-A Dongle https://amzn.to/4gHQUUl RESOURCE RE…

Are you following "the spirit of van life"? Spoiler: Yes, you are. You're also about to hear about the importance of bench testing, learn a lesson from a moth, score some free books and learn about a very nice trash can. A cecropia, giver of lessons.. THE HEART OF VANLIFE The article by Curious Toad https://www.thecurioustoad.com/post/vanlife-unfil…

Fire extinguishers may sound boring, but they're essential. Get one! Then we'll visit Bermuda, try out a space blanket, visit a unique store, make some custom badges, and compare gasoline heaters to diesel heaters. Vans of Bermuda. FIRE EXTINGUISHERS A good choice https://amzn.to/4d60OMo NEWS BLM Hikes Fees https://www.rvtravel.com/blm-wants-to-rai…

This week, it's time to take a step back and realize who's in charge: it's YOU. So don't let anyone else define your success. We'll also talk about propane lockers, singing roads (really), where to recycle things, a decent air fryer, and our friend Clem. Seeing the dismalites was a big success for me. NEWS Van Explosion https://wreg.com/news/memphi…

Big Solar Redux! Let's talk about all things solar, especially how's improved over the years. We'll also visit 18th century China, hear about some risqué material from the early days of YouTube, and learn about Dawn Powerwash and Aftermarket Hitches. My first solar set up CHEAP SOLAR PANELS 100 W Solar Panel $56! https://amzn.to/3AJqpNJ NEWS Florid…

10 things NOT to forget when you're building out your van! We'll also visit some vintage rigs, learn about going downhill, dowse for water and find some good cooking resources. Pagurus in North Dakota NEWS New Ford Van https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/by-building-new-lower-cost-pickups-and-a-commercial-van-ford-seeks-to-shift-electric-vehicle-st…

A lot of little things add up to a whole episode! No central theme, just bits about marketing, breathing, driving, squealing, traveling, exploring, and troubleshooting. Something for everyone, I hope. The SS United States, a very fast ship NEWS Futurliner for sale https://www.autoevolution.com/news/super-rare-1939-gm-futurliner-pops-up-for-sale-cos…

Late again! And I'm being buzzed! (Not like that). But we have 10 things to check while your driving to keep you van going, a visit to a mysterious staircase in the middle of the woods, a way to figure out the weather in the future, Android radios and an expensive phone mount. You can guess what's still there... BLUETOOTH ODBII READER Not cheap, bu…

This week, we eschew negativity and obfuscate obstinacy! Well, at least for the first section. We'll then visit DC, a dog with a plate, play with a Jackery 1500 and violate the warranty on a USB cable. And for the VW folks, a pile of resources! A dog and his pie plate NEWS Denmark Clashes with Vanlife https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/07/19/d…

This week, we'll focus on some great listener letters. We'll also visit the USS Enterprise, drive up a river, play with binoculars, measure things in Kelvin and learn if you have a cabin air filter. Your host with Captain Kirk in Riverside, Iowa. NEWS Open Source Van Control System https://www.hackster.io/news/live-a-smart-vanlife-with-this-open-so…

For whom the toll bells? It's YOU. We need to have a talk about this. We'll also explore Arco, Idaho, sleep in a casino parking lot, burn some wood artistically, and review some magnentic shades. Simon Wagg manipulating nuclear material (ish) at EBR-1. NEWS Homeless Camping Ban https://crosscut.com/news/2024/06/after-scotus-decision-wa-homeless-cam…

Living full time has many challenges, but one of those is a "fixed address." We'll discuss. We'll also review a new Vanlife Magazine, visit a miniature world, leave Las Vegas, and learn what to do when we find ourselves living in a car. My life boat. TECH TALK Laser Level https://amzn.to/3xWVX1x PRODUCT REVIEW Freedom On Wheels magazine https://onl…

There's a LOT going on, and it's important to remember what we're doing here—VANLIFE! We'll also talk about hitting the road with an unfinished rig, review the Ring Stickup Cam, visit Tinker Creek, Bigfoot, and learn to survive in the woods. Jen (my wife), Loren Coleman, and Me circa 2010. NEWS Why Are We So Annoyed by Remote Workers in Sprinter Va…

TWO Main features this week, how to deal with the heat and how to deal with pests. Then we'll slow down and enjoy some coffee mugs, learn about the two different fridge types, encounter some bad stones, visiting a firefighting museum and enjoy Kira and the Survival Pod. Fisher Wagg's New Song! https://fisherwagg.bandcamp.com/track/when-you-get-home…

TWO Main features this week, how to deal with the heat and how to deal with pests. Then we'll slow down and enjoy some coffee mugs, learn about the two different fridge types, encounter some bad stones, visiting a firefighting museum and enjoy Kira and the Survival Pod. Grrrrrr.... I need a van cat. Beating the Heat The Venty Fan - my personal frie…

Is trailer life the way to go? Maybe! Let's take a look. And let's explore the realities of an inexpensive and small cassette toilet, find out where Shute fell (but not why), and steal a tractor. Realities of a 33 gallon tank NEWS iPhone Satellite Texting https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2024/06/11/apple-ios-18-imessage-satellite-camping-hikin…

Prepare for your shakedown! Your first trip will reveal all the flaws in your rig. It's OK! It's part of it. We also find some cheap and good tools, visit a few different planets, use chicken broth instead of beer, and watch a magician get free money at a casino. The rig. Shaken, not stirred. PRODUCT REVIEW North Tech Tools at Menards. https://www.…

Tires are one of the most important part of your rig, and yet they're often ignored. Let's fix that. We'll also learn a bit about propane, try some PVC wood, review some fans and watch trees blink. My beloved Nokian Outposts PRODUCT REVIEW 12v Chrome Fans https://amzn.to/3R4nRPs A PLACE TO VISIT The trees! They blink! https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn…

I've just about done renovating the Scamp, and I've learned some things that might help your build. We'll also explore the potential of bidets, try out a small water pump, drive through at tree, and find the ultimate list of vanlife meetups. Tiny yet huge! NEWS VanFestUSA Cancels One Event, Adds Another https://vanfestusa.com New Chinese Tariffs Co…

A thought occurred, and it must be shared. Please bear with me. We'll also talk about right-sizing diesel heaters, review a phone holder that also charges, visit a lost mine and one of the largest arcades in the world. The Scamp and Tikibago bathed in aurora. NEWS Planet Fitness Raises Rates https://www.masslive.com/news/2024/05/planet-fitness-memb…

Every have those late night thoughts? Are they different when you're in your van? Mine are. We'll also visit Wellfleet, shop Etsy, clean our black tanks, and learn why conduit is a good thing. Travel with us on the Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic! Details at: bit.ly/CofCDanube24 If you'd like to suppo…

Is Vanlife just RVing in smaller vehicles? Not really! Let's take a look at what's the same and what's different. We'll also play with some new "tire screws," Travel with us on the Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic! Details at: bit.ly/CofCDanube24 If you'd like to support this podcast, please visit BuyM…

Folks, it's time to consider having AC for your van. Off Grid! It's never been more possible, but it's still not easy. We'll also look at a large water bladder, visit some space junk, find a mattress solution and hear a story about a Mythbuster. Travel with us on the Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic! D…

Is it time for a crowd-sourced code of ethics for vanlifers? Let's discuss. We'll also explain why Romex is NOT for vans, how a cheap PWM controller might be all you need, and we play a bit of Munzee. And then a Walden nap! Travel with us on the Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic! Details at: bit.ly/CofC…

Help! You're in trouble! What do you do? Let's talk about some devices and strategies to get back to civilization. We'll also visit weird Boston, save some data on our hotspot, and play with... a toilet brush? Travel with us on the Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic! Details at: bit.ly/CofCDanube24 If yo…

Propane, Butane or Electric? What's best for heat and cooking? YES! We'll also play with a new lighting idea, visit an iconic fountain, take a rid in Africa and find an easy way to check the weather. Travel with us on the Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic! Details at: bit.ly/CofCDanube24 If you'd like t…

What does AI have to say about Vanlife? Turns out, quite a bit, but can we trust it? Let's see. We'll also explore gas generators, and unique vending machine in Texas, encounter some powerful critters, and review CarMax. Travel with us on the Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic! Details at: bit.ly/CofCDan…

Whew! I did some math, and it's led me to some difficult decisions. You'll see. We'll also explore Capetown, make some toast, and learn how to not go blind. Travel with us on the Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic! Details at: bit.ly/CofCDanube24 If you'd like to support this podcast, please visit BuyMeA…

Sometimes, it's nice to remember the DRIVING part of travel. It can be fun! Here are five great drives. We'll also look at why you should NOT install USB A ports, we'll review some simple wine bottle lights, and tell three impossible stories that are all true. Travel with us on the Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Cz…

5v Van? We’re getting to the point where it’s possible for “light” builds. It’s a great option for no builds! And you can add CarPlay Android Auto to just about any radio, why should you avoid gluing flooring, a quick geologic trip to Morocco, and a visit with some mermaids! Travel with us on the Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Ger…

iOverlander is the go to app for many of us. But there's a problem, and there may not be a way to fix it. We'll also take a look at an "attack" in Quartzsite, a way to add CarPlay to stock radios, and a great new resource, Nomad Wiki. Travel with us on the Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic! Details at: …

Is a camping trailer part of "vanlife"? I say yes. Why not? We'll discuss the pros and cons of living the life as a toad. We'll aslo find a clever way to hide your toilet, discover a problem with winter food, visit some giants, and nearly die because of a design problem. Travel with us on the Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany…

Folks - this week was eventful, and completely unanticipated. But here I sit in Florida, and I offer you a lengthy explanation and a list of lessons learned from it. This is NOT a normal episode. If you don't like the Tales from the Road! Segment, this isn't an episode you're likely to enjoy. But - if you're one of those who listens because I sooth…

Skoolies are great! But they're not without challenges - let's explore. We'll also "ride the whirlwind," visit an art museum, encounter a Catch 22, and Chase 70º. Travel with us on the Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic! Details at: bit.ly/CofCDanube24 Some Skookie folks doing the do. If you'd like to su…

Van Fest Florida is finished, but it's also just the beginning. We'll take a look at how well our WeBoost has been doing, review some IKEA lamps, use our recovery boards, and talk about how we can all get to events. Travel with us on the Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic! Details at: bit.ly/CofCDanube24…

Wonder what DEF is? Even if you don't drive diesel, this might be interesting. We'll also watch our van roll uphill, update our Vevor Diesel Heater review, read some onerous laws, and more. Travel with us on the Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic! Details at: bit.ly/CofCDanube24 The start of a very bad t…

What is OODA? A way to get yourself out of trouble, that's what. We'll also review a pop-up table stool thing, visit Vanfest, check out Prepper Survival Guide and hear a tale of the very stupid. Travel with us on the Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic! Details at: bit.ly/CofCDanube24 Join me in Florida n…

How should you insure your rig? I don't have an answer, but I lay out the framework so you can find the best solution for you. We'll also visit the Devil's Icebox, check out Blue Highways, experience "danger" in Tangier, and test out some floor mats. New YouTube Video WHERE IS JEFF WRAPUP? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZ7vEVq8_qc Travel with us …

Changes are a-comin' and I lay them all out here. I also visit an amazing restaurant in the Canary Islands and talk about my experiences with a handy travel router. FIND US: We're on Facebook (Built to Go Group), Instagram (@CollegeOfCuriosity), and Discord (https://discord.gg/dRADjsvJEX) Travel with us on the Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia…

Play WHERE IS JEFF? https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0iC-g2r6yt/ This podcast is also available on YouTube. Winnebago has an eRV prototype - can you build your own? We'll discuss. We'll also revisit the idea of having battery powered devices instead of one big battery, visit a place where they worship wood, and complain about clay pot heaters once a…

Play WHERE IS JEFF? https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0iC-g2r6yt/ This podcast is also available on YouTube. Winnebago has an eRV prototype - can you build your own? We'll discuss. We'll also revisit the idea of having battery powered devices instead of one big battery, visit a place where they worship wood, and complain about clay pot heaters once a…

This podcast is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/y1sOShiy-1w Winter vanlife can be great! But you need to be prepared. We'll help. We'll also solve a 2FA problem, review a strange and wonderful camera, visit another podcast, hear a heartwarming tale from Panama, and read Big Rob's List. FIND US: We're on Facebook (Built to Go Group), Ins…

We're off the shore of Panama in a 90,000 lb van! Join us as we discuss travel, places we've been, and the importance of Wendy's in determining where you've been. FIND US: We're on Facebook (Built to Go Group), Instagram (@CollegeOfCuriosity) Travel with us on the Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic! Deta…

This podcast is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dqSpBtiBQ4Y Guest host Rob O'Hara talks about making money on YouTube, an interesting 12v solution, security cams, the "biggest" ball of twine, and a visit to Fort Reno. FIND US: We're on Facebook (Built to Go Group), Instagram (@CollegeOfCuriosity) Travel with us on the Danube River throu…

This podcast is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/C-0v9RhDrkI Strange episode this week! A bit rough, but we're going to talk about the best computer for your van, money belts, getting lost at sea, and Coral Castle. FIND US: We're on Facebook (Built to Go Group), Instagram (@CollegeOfCuriosity) Travel with us on the Danube River through H…

This podcast is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/C-0v9RhDrkI Vanlife & Homelessness share a lot of space on a Venn diagram, but there are important things to know. We discuss. We'll also test some electric space heaters, talk about UPS Season Jobs, visit DC at Night and explain why you should change your cabin air filters. FIND US: We're…